Care Quality Commission to receive greater independence

The government is to provide the Care Quality Commission (CQC) with greater independence through amendments to the 2008 Health and Social Care Act.

Under the plans, the CQC would no longer need to ask for approval from the health secretary to carry out an investigation into a hospital or care home, while the secretary of state would also relinquish its power to direct the CQC on the content of its annual report.

Moreover, the new positions of chief inspector of hospitals, general practice and adult social care will be enshrined in law, placing these positions on a permanent footing to ensure that those occupying the roles are able to speak up for patients without fear of political interference.

These moves are designed to ensure that the CQC can act fearlessly as the nation's chief whistleblower on health.

Health secretary Jeremy Hunt said: "The welfare of patients is too important for political meddling and our new legislation will make sure ministers always put patients first."

This follows widespread criticism in recent months of the CQC's handling of recent care quality scandals, leading the regulatory to issue a public apology over its lax oversight of the University Hospitals Morecambe Bay NHS Foundation Trust.